Budget Still Not Finalized

By Chris Cowperthwaite, NBC-17 News

The Morrisville Board of Commissioners hasn't settled on a new budget -- but they're getting close.

Board members will continue their meeting to Thursday night (6/26), after a marathon session lasting almost five and a half hours Wednesday.

Some commissioners were ready to vote just before midnight, but the board opted to sleep on it.

"As it stands right now, no employees will be losing their job," said Town Manager John Whitson. "And we came up with a plan that the board was able to work with, and put some things back that staff had initially removed from the budget. And it looks like one that will not deter services significantly."

Earlier this week, commissioners disapproved the proposed budget, which would have meant a 19 percent property tax hike for Morrisville residents.

More than 200 people turned out to protest that proposal during the town's final public hearing last week, and that outcry forced the commissioners to rethink their plans.

Now, the board is close to agreeing on a budget that's almost exactly "revenue neutral."

A lot of the burden of the budget cuts will fall on town employees: cost of living adjustments are likely being slashed, and commissioners are planning on freezing merit pay.

The town will probably hold off on buying a new fire truck, but will begin building a new headquarters for the fire department.

Town events like Day at the Park appear to be off the hook, as well, although they may be scaled back.

The board has got to make a decision quickly, because state regulations require a finalized budget by Monday, June 30.

They'll meet again at Town Hall at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 26.